Benzodiazepine: Are They All the Same, Are They All Bad?

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Benzodiazepine: Are They All the Same, Are They All Bad? Benzodiazepine: Are they all the same, are they all bad? Jefferson B. Prince, MD Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School North Shore Medical Center [email protected] www.mghcme.org Disclosures If you have disclosures, state: “My spouse/partner and I have the following relevant financial relationship with a commercial interest to disclose: I am the author of the book “Almost Depressed” and have received payments from Harvard health Publications www.mghcme.org Benzodiazepines Augment the Effects of GABA • GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. • Benzodiazepines increase the affinity of GABA receptors for GABA; the effect of which increases Cl- conductance resulting in hyperpolarizing • Benzodiazepines exert their action only in the presence of GABA – for this reason they are called positive allosteric modulators (PAMs); acting as indirect agonists of the GABA receptor www.mghcme.org Benzodiazepines are Positive Allosteric Modulators (PAMs) of GABA-A Receptors • Allosteric sites are all receptor sites where GABA itself does not bind. • Allosteric modulators can be positive or negative. www.mghcme.org GABA Cells are Inter-neurons www.mghcme.org Selectivity for GABA-A Receptor Subunits GABA A Receptors containing Alpha 1 GABA A Receptors containing alpha 2 or subunits are involved in SLEEP MODULATION alpha 3 subunits are involved in EXPERIENCES of ANXIETY www.mghcme.org Existing Benzodiazepines are Non-selective • Benzodiazepines bind to GABA-A alpha subunits: 1, 2, 3 and alpha 5. • Each of subunits is associated with different effects • Benzodiazepines are/can be/cause: – Sedating – Anxiolytic – Muscle relaxation – Potentiate effects of Alcohol www.mghcme.org Benzodiazepines are Anxolytic & Hypnotic • ANXIOLYTIC EFFECT: By binding at GABA- A receptors in the amygdala, Benzodiazepines inhibit the activation of amygdala. • HYPNOTIC EFFECT: Benzodiazepines promote sleep by binding at GABA-A receptors in the VLPO, causing sleepiness. www.mghcme.org Amygdala Activated by Experience and/or Environment Monoamines from the locus coeruleus activate amygdala causing • anxiety, • panic attacks, • tremors, • sweating, • tachycardia, • hyperarousal and • nightmares Benzodiazepines inhibit activation of amygdala www.mghcme.org Reexperiencing - Activation of the Amygdala by Inner Cues Traumatic memories can activate the amygdala, causing the amygdala in turn to activate the hippocampus and generate a fear response, REEXPERIENCING, Hypervigilance, Intrusive memories (AKA Acute Stress Disorder and/or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder www.mghcme.org Exogenous GABA Does Not Cross the Blood Brain Barrier(BBB) • GABA is produced in GABA-ergic neurons from the excitatory neurotransmitter Glutamate by the enzyme GAD (glutamic acid decarboxilase) www.mghcme.org Benzodiazepine FDA Indications • Anxiety, for muscle tension, insomnia, status epilepticus(diazepam), myoclonic epilepsy(clonazepam), preoperative anesthesia, and alcohol witdhrawal. • Two benzodiazepines: alprazolam and lorazepam have FDA indication for anxiety associated with depression. • Clonazepam and Alprazolam are indicated in the treatment of panic disorder. www.mghcme.org Benzodiazepine Properties The effects of benzodiazepines depend on their properties: • half-life • liposolubility • receptor affinity www.mghcme.org Liposolubility • Highly lipophilic benzodiazepines such as diazepam enter the brain more quickly, “turning on” the effect promptly, but “turning off” the effect more quickly as well as they disappear into body fat. • Less lipophilic compounds such as lorazepam produce clinical effects more slowly, but may provide more sustained relief in spite of shorter half life. www.mghcme.org Relative Receptor Affinity • The higher their affinity for GABA-A receptors, the more intense withdrawal symptoms they cause. • High potency benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam have high receptor affinity – intense withdrawal symptoms. • Oxazepam has low receptor affinity – fewer withdrawal symptoms. www.mghcme.org Benzodiazepine Metabolism www.mghcme.org Benzodiazepines - Subclasses 2-keto (chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, halazepam, prazepam, and flurazepam) • The 2-keto drugs and their active metabolites are oxidized in the liver, and because this process is relatively slow, these compounds have relatively long half-lives. 3-hydroxy (lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam) • The 3-hydroxy compounds are metabolized via direct conjugation with a glucuronide radical, a process that is more rapid than oxidation and does not involve the formation of active metabolites. Triazolo (alprazolam, adinazolam, estazolam, and triazolam) • The triazolo compounds are also oxidized, however they have a more limited active metabolites and thus shorter half-lives. www.mghcme.org Prescribing Recommendations • Address the cause of symptoms • Psychotherapeutic guidance – Listen to the patient • Has the patient tendency to misuse drugs/alcohol? • Ensure dose is correct • Prescribed for as long as necessary, aiming for shortest time • Rebound anxiety, tapering dose, support • Reduction/Discontinuation – Careful medical supervision & appropriate psychological interventions www.mghcme.org Before prescribing benzodiazepines • Take a full history including an alcohol and licit and illicit drug history. • Inform the patient of the side-effect profile of benzodiazepines and offer education. • Consider and treat, if possible, any underlying causes. • Consider referral to other/additional services. • Consider alternative sources of support for and with the patient www.mghcme.org When prescribing for the 1st time • Initiate with the lowest recommended dose, but this may need to be adjusted depending on patient’s response. • Usually prescribe for up to 4 weeks. • Use phased dispensing where possible. • Ensure that agreements between doctor and patient are documented. • Record all details of medication prescribed and duration of treatment. • Clear, effective and speedy communication concerning benzodiazepine usage should always take place between the prescribing professionals both within and between services. www.mghcme.org Benzodiazepine dependent patients or pts in receipt of continuing prescribing • Issue small quantities at a time Review regularly – monthly • Use a long acting benzodiazepine in dosages no higher than diazepam 5 mg three times daily (or equivalent) • Make patients aware of the risks of long term benzodiazepine use and document this communication. • Encourage dependent pts to withdraw, offer them a detoxification program at regular intervals (at least annually) and document • A significant number of requests for repeat benzodiazepine prescribing are associated with addiction problems, primarily alcohol, or in urban areas, opiate misuse. A doctor who suspects this is the case should seek specialist advice www.mghcme.org Benzodiazepines – Adverse Effects • Sedation • Lethargy • Dependency/Withdrawal • Respiratory depression • Possible cognitive impairment. • May be Safe in overdose: up to 30 times the normal daily dose. – Usual symptoms of overdose include sedation, drowsiness, ataxia, and slurred speech. – May result in respiratory depression in combination with other CNS depressants. – Management includes gastric lavage, forced emesis, and assisted ventilation. • Medication interactions: – Medications that increase benzodiazepine levels include P4503A4 inhibitors, ketoconazole, fluconazole, nefazodone. – Medications that decrease benzodiazepine levels include P4503A4 inducers such as carbamazepine. www.mghcme.org How Addictive are Benzodiazepines? • How long does one have to take a benzodiazepine before withdrawal is seen with discontinuation? • Studies in animals have indicated that benzodiazepines can reinforce use and can produce physical dependence and tolerance. • Available data seem to reveal that benzodiazepines are rarely sought after or craved in the sense that heroin or cocaine are. Rather, they are used as part of a polysubstance abuse pattern to modulate the effects of primary drug of abuse(e.g. cocaine) or as a backup drug when more euphoriant drugs are not available. www.mghcme.org Tapering off of Benzodiazepines • Should be carefully planned and structured, the aim being to gradually reduce to zero the amount of drug being taken. • Gradual Dose Reduction – Recommended reduction rate: no more than 10% per day. • Consider Substitution – Dose reduction then immediate substitution – Greater flexibility in dosing of longer acting Diazepam • Adjuvant pharmacotherapy – Reduce the physical symptoms of withdrawal – Tremor, Sweating, Insomnia. Convulsions www.mghcme.org Factors that MAY make benzodiazepine withdrawal more difficult include • higher daily dose • shorter half-life • longer duration of prior benzodiazepine therapy • more rapid taper • Patient Characteristics: – a diagnosis of panic disorder, – higher pre-taper levels of anxiety or depression, – Characterological/relational challenges and/or personality disorder, – concomitant alcohol or substance abuse www.mghcme.org.
Recommended publications
  • (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0224012 A1 Suvanprakorn Et Al
    US 2004O224012A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0224012 A1 Suvanprakorn et al. (43) Pub. Date: Nov. 11, 2004 (54) TOPICAL APPLICATION AND METHODS Related U.S. Application Data FOR ADMINISTRATION OF ACTIVE AGENTS USING LIPOSOME MACRO-BEADS (63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/264,205, filed on Oct. 3, 2002. (76) Inventors: Pichit Suvanprakorn, Bangkok (TH); (60) Provisional application No. 60/327,643, filed on Oct. Tanusin Ploysangam, Bangkok (TH); 5, 2001. Lerson Tanasugarn, Bangkok (TH); Suwalee Chandrkrachang, Bangkok Publication Classification (TH); Nardo Zaias, Miami Beach, FL (US) (51) Int. CI.7. A61K 9/127; A61K 9/14 (52) U.S. Cl. ............................................ 424/450; 424/489 Correspondence Address: (57) ABSTRACT Eric G. Masamori 6520 Ridgewood Drive A topical application and methods for administration of Castro Valley, CA 94.552 (US) active agents encapsulated within non-permeable macro beads to enable a wider range of delivery vehicles, to provide longer product shelf-life, to allow multiple active (21) Appl. No.: 10/864,149 agents within the composition, to allow the controlled use of the active agents, to provide protected and designable release features and to provide visual inspection for damage (22) Filed: Jun. 9, 2004 and inconsistency. US 2004/0224012 A1 Nov. 11, 2004 TOPCAL APPLICATION AND METHODS FOR 0006 Various limitations on the shelf-life and use of ADMINISTRATION OF ACTIVE AGENTS USING liposome compounds exist due to the relatively fragile LPOSOME MACRO-BEADS nature of liposomes. Major problems encountered during liposome drug Storage in vesicular Suspension are the chemi CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER cal alterations of the lipoSome compounds, Such as phos APPLICATIONS pholipids, cholesterols, ceramides, leading to potentially toxic degradation of the products, leakage of the drug from 0001) This application claims the benefit of U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding Benzodiazephine Use, Abuse, and Detection
    Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, the leading clinical diagnostics company, is committed to providing clinicians with the vital information they need for the accurate diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients. Our comprehensive portfolio of performance-driven systems, unmatched menu offering and IT solutions, in conjunction with highly responsive service, is designed to streamline workflow, enhance operational efficiency and support improved patient care. Syva, EMIT, EMIT II, EMIT d.a.u., and all associated marks are trademarks of General Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. All Drugs other trademarks and brands are the Global Division property of their respective owners. of Abuse Siemens Healthcare Product availability may vary from Diagnostics Inc. country to country and is subject 1717 Deerfield Road to varying regulatory requirements. Deerfield, IL 60015-0778 Please contact your local USA representative for availability. www.siemens.com/diagnostics Siemens Global Headquarters Global Siemens Healthcare Headquarters Siemens AG Understanding Wittelsbacherplatz 2 Siemens AG 80333 Muenchen Healthcare Sector Germany Henkestrasse 127 Benzodiazephine Use, 91052 Erlangen Germany Abuse, and Detection Telephone: +49 9131 84 - 0 www.siemens.com/healthcare www.usa.siemens.com/diagnostics Answers for life. Order No. A91DX-0701526-UC1-4A00 | Printed in USA | © 2009 Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. Syva has been R1 R2 a leading developer N and manufacturer of AB R3 X N drugs-of-abuse tests R4 for more than 30 years. R2 C Now part of Siemens Healthcare ® Diagnostics, Syva boasts a long and Benzodiazepines have as their basic chemical structure successful track record in drugs-of-abuse a benzene ring fused to a seven-membered diazepine ring. testing, and leads the industry in the All important benzodiazepines contain a 5-aryl substituent ring (ring C) and a 1,4–diazepine ring.
    [Show full text]
  • Tel: 86-2985324244; Fax: 86-2985252580
    medRxiv preprint doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.27.20028605; this version posted February 27, 2020. The copyright holder for this preprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY-NC 4.0 International license . Efficacy and Acceptability Comparisons of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Drugs, and Their Combination for Panic Disorder in Adults: a Network Meta-analysis Fengjie Gao(M.M.)1,a, Hairong He(M.M.)2,a, Bin Yan(M.M.)2, Jian Yang(M.M.)2, Yajuan Fan(M.D.)1, Binbin Zhao(M.M.)1, Xiaoyan He(M.M.)1, Qingyan Ma(M.M.)1, Baijia Li(M.D.)1, Yuan Gao(M.D.)1, Li Qian(M.D.)1, Zai Yang(M.M.)1, Ce Chen(M.M.)1, Yunchun Chen(M.D.)1, Chengge Gao(M.D.)1, Feng Zhu(M.D.)5, Wei Wang(M.M.)1,*, Xiancang Ma(M.D.)1,3,4,* 1Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, 710061 Xi’an, Shaanxi, China. 2Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, 710061 Xi’an, Shaanxi, China. 3Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, 710061 Xi’an, Shaanxi, China. 4Clinical Research center for Psychiatric Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, 710061 Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
    [Show full text]
  • Analytical Methods for Determination of Benzodiazepines. a Short Review
    Cent. Eur. J. Chem. • 12(10) • 2014 • 994-1007 DOI: 10.2478/s11532-014-0551-1 Central European Journal of Chemistry Analytical methods for determination of benzodiazepines. A short review Review Article Paulina Szatkowska1, Marcin Koba1*, Piotr Kośliński1, Jacek Wandas1, Tomasz Bączek2,3 1Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum of Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-089 Bydgoszcz, Poland 2Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland 3Institute of Health Sciences, Division of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pomeranian University of Słupsk, 76-200 Słupsk, Poland Received 16 July 2013; Accepted 6 February 2014 Abstract: Benzodiazepines (BDZs) are generally commonly used as anxiolytic and/or hypnotic drugs as a ligand of the GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor. Moreover, some of benzodiazepines are widely used as an anti-depressive and sedative drugs, and also as anti-epileptic drugs and in some cases can be useful as an adjunct treatment in refractory epilepsies or anti-alcoholic therapy. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) methods, gas chromatography (GC) methods, capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods and some of spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric methods were developed and have been extensively applied to the analysis of number of benzodiazepine derivative drugs (BDZs) providing reliable and accurate results. The available chemical methods for the determination of BDZs in biological materials and pharmaceutical formulations are reviewed in this work. Keywords: Analytical methods • Benzodiazepines • Drugs analysis • Pharmaceutical formulations © Versita Sp. z o.o. 1. Introduction and long). For this reason, an application of these drugs became broader allowing their utility to a larger extent, Benzodiazepines have been first introduced into medical and at the same time, problems related to drug abuse practice in the 60s of the last century.
    [Show full text]
  • Hsrs Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Module
    WORKER ID (Field 1) OPTIONAL DEFINITION: The primary worker assigned to the client, or the person designated by the agency as having overall responsibility for the client or case. This is the person who will get information back about the client if any is requested. You may use a provider ID if you have delegated overall responsibility to a provider and you want them to get back all information about this client. PURPOSE: For local use to connect reports to specific case managers. MA NUMBER (Field 2) REQUIRED IF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE RECIPIENT CODES: Enter the client’s 10 digit MA Number. PURPOSE: For comparison with other databases (Medical Assistance; DWD employment data; Crime Information Bureau, etc.) CLIENT ID (Field 3) REQUIRED, COMPUTER GENERATED DEFINITION: An identifier that is computer generated for each individual reported on HSRS. Full legal name, birthdate, and sex are used to produce a 14 character ID which bears no resemblance to the client’s name. ENTER: May be left blank if name, birthdate, and sex are reported. OR Enter the 14 character HSRS client identification number. The ID will be generated and returned to you on the terminal screen. Copy it down or print the screen. Once the ID number is generated, use it on all future input. PURPOSE: To maintain client confidentiality while allowing reports to be produced on individual clients for audit purposes; to produce reports on multiple services to the same individual; to produce client number listings for recidivist clients. AODA - 1 NAME - LAST, FIRST, MIDDLE, SUFFIX (Fields 4a-d) REQUIRED TO GENERATE ID (THEN OPTIONAL) DEFINITION: The full legal name of the client.
    [Show full text]
  • 124.210 Schedule IV — Substances Included. 1
    1 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, §124.210 124.210 Schedule IV — substances included. 1. Schedule IV shall consist of the drugs and other substances, by whatever official name, common or usual name, chemical name, or brand name designated, listed in this section. 2. Narcotic drugs. Unless specifically excepted or unless listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or preparation containing any of the following narcotic drugs, or their salts calculated as the free anhydrous base or alkaloid, in limited quantities as set forth below: a. Not more than one milligram of difenoxin and not less than twenty-five micrograms of atropine sulfate per dosage unit. b. Dextropropoxyphene (alpha-(+)-4-dimethylamino-1,2-diphenyl-3-methyl-2- propionoxybutane). c. 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol, its salts, optical and geometric isomers and salts of these isomers (including tramadol). 3. Depressants. Unless specifically excepted or unless listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of the following substances, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation: a. Alprazolam. b. Barbital. c. Bromazepam. d. Camazepam. e. Carisoprodol. f. Chloral betaine. g. Chloral hydrate. h. Chlordiazepoxide. i. Clobazam. j. Clonazepam. k. Clorazepate. l. Clotiazepam. m. Cloxazolam. n. Delorazepam. o. Diazepam. p. Dichloralphenazone. q. Estazolam. r. Ethchlorvynol. s. Ethinamate. t. Ethyl Loflazepate. u. Fludiazepam. v. Flunitrazepam. w. Flurazepam. x. Halazepam. y. Haloxazolam. z. Ketazolam. aa. Loprazolam. ab. Lorazepam. ac. Lormetazepam. ad. Mebutamate. ae. Medazepam. af. Meprobamate. ag. Methohexital. ah. Methylphenobarbital (mephobarbital).
    [Show full text]
  • Drugs of Abuse: Benzodiazepines
    Drugs of Abuse: Benzodiazepines What are Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and prevent seizures. What is their origin? Benzodiazepines are only legally available through prescription. Many abusers maintain their drug supply by getting prescriptions from several doctors, forging prescriptions, or buying them illicitly. Alprazolam and diazepam are the two most frequently encountered benzodiazepines on the illicit market. Benzodiazepines are What are common street names? depressants legally available Common street names include Benzos and Downers. through prescription. Abuse is associated with What do they look like? adolescents and young The most common benzodiazepines are the prescription drugs ® ® ® ® ® adults who take the drug Valium , Xanax , Halcion , Ativan , and Klonopin . Tolerance can orally or crush it up and develop, although at variable rates and to different degrees. short it to get high. Shorter-acting benzodiazepines used to manage insomnia include estazolam (ProSom®), flurazepam (Dalmane®), temazepam (Restoril®), Benzodiazepines slow down and triazolam (Halcion®). Midazolam (Versed®), a short-acting the central nervous system. benzodiazepine, is utilized for sedation, anxiety, and amnesia in critical Overdose effects include care settings and prior to anesthesia. It is available in the United States shallow respiration, clammy as an injectable preparation and as a syrup (primarily for pediatric skin, dilated pupils, weak patients). and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death. Benzodiazepines with a longer duration of action are utilized to treat insomnia in patients with daytime anxiety. These benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax®), chlordiazepoxide (Librium®), clorazepate (Tranxene®), diazepam (Valium®), halazepam (Paxipam®), lorzepam (Ativan®), oxazepam (Serax®), prazepam (Centrax®), and quazepam (Doral®).
    [Show full text]
  • 1 'New/Designer Benzodiazepines'
    1 ‘New/Designer Benzodiazepines’: an analysis of the literature and psychonauts’ trip reports 2 Laura Orsolini*1,2,3, John M. Corkery1, Stefania Chiappini1, Amira Guirguis1, Alessandro Vento4,5,6,7, 3 Domenico De Berardis3,8,9, Duccio Papanti1, and Fabrizio Schifano1 4 5 1 Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical 6 Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, Herts, UK. 7 2 Neomesia Mental Health, Villa Jolanda Hospital, Jesi, Italy. 8 3 Polyedra, Teramo, Italy. 9 4 NESMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University – Rome, School of 10 Medicine and Psychology; Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy 11 5 School of psychology - G. Marconi Telematic University, Rome, Italy 12 6 Addictions Observatory (ODDPSS), Rome, Italy 13 7 Mental Health Department - ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy 14 8 Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, Chair of Psychiatry, University of “G. D’Annunzio”, Chieti, 15 Italy. 16 9 NHS, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital “G. Mazzini”, ASL 4 17 Teramo, Italy. 18 19 Corresponding author: 20 Laura Orsolini, Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life 21 and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, Herts, UK; Villa Jolanda Hospital, Neomesia 22 Mental Health, Villa Jolanda, Italy; Polyedra, Teramo, Italy; E-mail address: [email protected]. Tel.: (+39) 392 23 3244643. 24 25 Conflicts of Interest 26 The authors declare that this research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships 27 that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
    [Show full text]
  • Characterization of the Binding and Comparison of the Distribution of Benzodiazepine Receptors Labeled with Ph1diazepam and [3H]Alprazolam L&S K
    fIivIoPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 1993-VOL. 8, NO.4 305 Characterization of the Binding and Comparison of the Distribution of Benzodiazepine Receptors Labeled with pH1Diazepam and [3H]Alprazolam l&s K. Wamsley, Ph.D., Lisa L. Longlet, B.S., MaryAnne E. Hunt, Ph.D., Donald R. Mahan, IfiMilrio E. Alburges, Ph.D. Ttrbinding characteristics of [3H]diazepam and benzodiazepine drugs and apparently do not overlap onto �prazolam were obtained by in vitro analysis of other subtypes of receptors. These experiments were IIfiorrsof rat brain. Dissociation, association, and performed by both binding assay in tissue sections and by sDlItionaTUllyses were performed to optimize the light microscopic autoradiography. The major difference GdilWnsfor obtaining selective labeling of between the labeling of the two compounds is· represented llaldiDzepinerecept ors with the two tritiated by the peripheral benzodiazepine sites, which are GIIpOUnds. Both drugs approached equilibrium rapidly recognized by [3H]diazepam, but not occupied by nntro. Rosenthal analysis (Scatchard plot) of the [3H]alprazolam (at nanomolar concentrations). This amiondata indicated a similar finite number of difference was readily apparent in the auto radiograms. IIII;otSwas being occupied by both ligands. Other pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties Clapetitionstudies, using various ligands to inhibit both must distinguish these two benzodiazepines. fH}bu.tpam and [3H]alprazolam indicated that these [Neuropsychopharmacology 8:305-314, 1993J tIIIcmnpoundsbind to the tissue sections as typical
    [Show full text]
  • Drug and Medication Classification Schedule
    KENTUCKY HORSE RACING COMMISSION UNIFORM DRUG, MEDICATION, AND SUBSTANCE CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE KHRC 8-020-1 (11/2018) Class A drugs, medications, and substances are those (1) that have the highest potential to influence performance in the equine athlete, regardless of their approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration, or (2) that lack approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration but have pharmacologic effects similar to certain Class B drugs, medications, or substances that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Acecarbromal Bolasterone Cimaterol Divalproex Fluanisone Acetophenazine Boldione Citalopram Dixyrazine Fludiazepam Adinazolam Brimondine Cllibucaine Donepezil Flunitrazepam Alcuronium Bromazepam Clobazam Dopamine Fluopromazine Alfentanil Bromfenac Clocapramine Doxacurium Fluoresone Almotriptan Bromisovalum Clomethiazole Doxapram Fluoxetine Alphaprodine Bromocriptine Clomipramine Doxazosin Flupenthixol Alpidem Bromperidol Clonazepam Doxefazepam Flupirtine Alprazolam Brotizolam Clorazepate Doxepin Flurazepam Alprenolol Bufexamac Clormecaine Droperidol Fluspirilene Althesin Bupivacaine Clostebol Duloxetine Flutoprazepam Aminorex Buprenorphine Clothiapine Eletriptan Fluvoxamine Amisulpride Buspirone Clotiazepam Enalapril Formebolone Amitriptyline Bupropion Cloxazolam Enciprazine Fosinopril Amobarbital Butabartital Clozapine Endorphins Furzabol Amoxapine Butacaine Cobratoxin Enkephalins Galantamine Amperozide Butalbital Cocaine Ephedrine Gallamine Amphetamine Butanilicaine Codeine
    [Show full text]
  • A Review of the Evidence of Use and Harms of Novel Benzodiazepines
    ACMD Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs Novel Benzodiazepines A review of the evidence of use and harms of Novel Benzodiazepines April 2020 1 Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 4 2. Legal control of benzodiazepines .......................................................................................... 4 3. Benzodiazepine chemistry and pharmacology .................................................................. 6 4. Benzodiazepine misuse............................................................................................................ 7 Benzodiazepine use with opioids ................................................................................................... 9 Social harms of benzodiazepine use .......................................................................................... 10 Suicide ............................................................................................................................................. 11 5. Prevalence and harm summaries of Novel Benzodiazepines ...................................... 11 1. Flualprazolam ......................................................................................................................... 11 2. Norfludiazepam ....................................................................................................................... 13 3. Flunitrazolam ..........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Benzodiazepines Addiction & Treatment
    Benzodiazepines Addiction & Treatment Benzodiazepines are often used therapeutically to produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and to prevent seizures. Benzodiazepines act as hypnotics in high doses, anxiolytics in moderate doses, and sedatives in low doses. Benzodiazepines effect the central nervous system functions and are classified as depressants. They are more commonly referred to as “benzos” or “benzies” and are ingestible in pill form or injected. Benzodiazepines can be found in many medications, including, but not limited to: Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Tranxene (clorazepate), Paxipam (Halazepam), Centrax (prazepam), Klonopin/Clonopin (Clonazepam), Serax (oxazepam), Restoril (temazepam), ProSom (estazolam), Dalmane (flurazepam) *Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) is a benzodiazepine not manufactured or legally marketed in the United States; however it is often smuggled in by traffickers. This drug is often referred to as a “roofie” and is known as both a “party drug” and a “date rape” drug. It often is found to be popular among younger users. Effects of Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepine use can lead to amnesia, hostility, irritability, vivid or disturbing dreams, as well as tolerance and physical dependence. Use with alcohol or another depressant can lead to death, and often benzodiazepine abuse is particularly high among heroin and cocaine abusers. Lasting/Long-Term Effects Benzodiazepines target the emotional response system (limbic) of the brain, rather than the entire central nervous system. This leads to fewer long term effects than other drugs; however continued use can lead to physical and psychological dependence as well as addiction. Due to a tolerance developed to benzodiazepines, users must increase their doses in order to achieve the desired effects.
    [Show full text]